West Point Class of 1987

Dear Classmates:  This past weekend I was sworn in as a member of the Board of Directors of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).  I will be serving a six year term and in my first two years will also serve on the Government Relations Committee for the organization.  I want to first thank all of you who are members and voted for me.  Of the 36 members of the board, 2 of us are West Point Graduates (LTG Jerome B. Hilmes, class of 1959 is the other).  Additionally, this is the first year they've elected Active Duty Officers to the board and I am one of two Active Duty Officers elected and the first Active Component Officer.

MOAA serves Active Duty, Guard and Reserve Officers, former Officers, and Retired Officers.  We are members of each of those categories.  As a member of the Board of Directors, I now have more input and voice into how the organization will better serve the Officers and their families who served and continue to serve.

Some of you provided input to me while I was on the Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve Advisory Committee to the Board.  I am happy to say that they took all the information and definitely made things better.  One major accomplishment is getting much longer TriCare coverage than was previously allowed for those Guard and Reserve families activated to fight our war on terrorism.  MOAA will continue to fight for the benefits but the most important part is your input.  I ask you to continue to provide me with your concerns and allow me to help shape securing our benefits as I serve on the Board.  Your input is important!

If you desire more information on MOAA please read on.

Hope to see those who are attending the Army/Navy game on 2 Dec.  Hes Park and Dale Malzi, with his wife Glenda, will be sitting with me and Bettye Marie.  We are in Section 120, Row 25, Seats 17-25.  Let's end the season with a win!

GO ARMY...BEAT NAVY!

Joe "Simbo" Simonelli

I provide the following for your information only.  If you decide to become a member of MOAA that is great and you will continue to support the largest Military Officers Association in the United States.  Any information you want can be accessed via http://www.moaa.org/.

Scholarships and Educational Assistance:  MOAA gives out scholarships and grants to children of members and children of Enlisted Soldiers.  We are in the scholarship window and know some you have children entering that phase of their lives.  You can get scholarship information at http://www.moaa.org/about/about_scholarship/index.htm.  If your children are still young enough and you decide to invest in their future, the Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan was just announce and can be seen at http://www.moaa.org/529/.

Second Career Assistance:  For those on Active Duty getting ready to retire, MOAA offers some great advice and networking.  The Officer Placement Service (TOPS) is available for your needs.  You can get more information at http://www.moaa.org/serv/serv_career/index.htm.

Retirement Counseling:  If you are getting ready to retire, you may be considering the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).  You can get more information at http://www.moaa.org/serv/serv_benefits_pay/mygroup_sf_sbp/index.htm.

I've only highlighted a very small portion which I thought would be of interest to some of you.  If you have any specific questions/issues please let me know and I'll be more than happy to find the right avenue for you.